Pioneering Northern Irish big wave surfer Al Mennie has joined the West surfing team as ambassador in the emerald Isles. Al joins the ranks of other big wave specialists in the West stable such as Western Australian hell man Kirby Brown, barrel aficionado Eric Rebiere and Al’s long time tow partner Andrew Cotton.

Check this footage out to see what the man Al is capable of…

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West Europe’s Pete Bush said “It’s a great honour to have Al join the West team; he is an incredibly dedicated surfer who has earned his stripes through total commitment and action. He has a unique presence within the sport and is a truly distinguished representative for surfing in Ireland.”

His genuine love of, and performances in, big-wave surfing has seen his acceptance as a contender into the 2007/2008 Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards, and as a nominee for selection into the Quiksilver Big Wave In Memory of Eddie Aikau event at Waimea Bay, Hawaii. He is one of only two European surfers to have ever achieved these prestigious accolades.

As a tow team, Al Mennie and Andrew Cotton make up the most successful European team to date. They are the only Europeans to be invited to the much coveted APT international tow surfing competition circuit, including such big wave venues as the infamous Jaws in Maui and Punta de Lobos Chile.

www.almennie.com
www.westsurfing.com